Nairobi: Ethiopia’s State Minister for Urban and Infrastructure Development, Fenta Dejen, discussed the country’s efforts in advancing people-centered smart cities by utilizing digital platforms to improve service delivery and urban management. An Ethiopian delegation, led by the State Minister and Ambassador Bacha Debele Buta, participated in the opening session of the 2nd Executive Board meeting of the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat) in Nairobi, Kenya.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, in his remarks, State Minister Fenta praised the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for championing innovative strategies to promote sustainable and resilient urban development in Ethiopia. He highlighted key initiatives such as the development of urban green corridors that incorporate pedestrian-friendly walkways, urban tree canopies, dedicated bike lanes, and modern road infrastructure to enhance resilient urban mobility.
The State Minister also discussed Ethiopia’s efforts in advancing people
-centered smart cities by utilizing digital platforms to improve service delivery and urban management. He expressed gratitude to the participants of the First African Urban Forum, which concluded with significant outcomes aimed at addressing urbanization challenges across the continent and beyond.
The State Minister called on international partners to support the implementation of the Forum’s key outcomes, particularly the Addis Ababa Declaration. The declaration emphasizes capacity building, knowledge sharing, resource mobilization, and policy alignment as essential priorities for achieving sustainable urban development, according to Foreign Affairs Ministry.